Taller shocks = shorter ranger?

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Jul 6, 2017 | 12:31 PM

wyotana

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 433

Likes: 18

From: Cheyenne, WY

Taller shocks = shorter range?

Range, not ranger...stupid phone

So I've recently thrown some 13.5" shocks on the my 03 FXD, and while I love the look and feel I've noticed I seem to be getting shorted about a half a gallon when I gas up. Before the switch when I would fill up at reserve I was able to put right at 4 gallons in, since the switch it's been 3.5 gallons. I'm not sure if it's because of the angle of the tank while I ride is letting less fuel get to the petcock, or if it's because the bike leans more I'm able to put less in the tank, or a combination. Anyone else experience this? If so is the solution a tank lift, or just deal with the shorter range? And will it effect how many miles I can get out of reserve?
thanks guys

Last edited by wyotana; Jul 6, 2017 at 12:33 PM. Reason: Error in title

Jul 6, 2017 | 12:34 PM

DynaKid94

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2013

Posts: 1,481

Likes: 591

From: Orange County, CA

never thought of this honestly...can't see it making too drastic of a difference but I'm curious to see what others have to say, as I've gone with taller shocks too...

Jul 6, 2017 | 07:36 PM

HD_Matt

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 231

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From: Ontario, Canada

If you stand the bike up straight while you are fueling it, you can get quite a bit more in the tank.

Jul 6, 2017 | 08:48 PM

fxdlx

Road Master

Joined: Jun 2013

Posts: 1,181

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From: north of the south pole

So, if the gas cap is the highest point on the tank when filling(like when on side stand) you get less gas than when the bike is level? How dat wurk?

Jul 6, 2017 | 11:28 PM

wyotana

Thread Starter

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Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 433

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From: Cheyenne, WY

Quote:

Originally Posted by fxdlx

So, if the gas cap is the highest point on the tank when filling(like when on side stand) you get less gas than when the bike is level? How dat wurk?

Mine has the gas cap in the middle not on the right hand side like many others.
Leveling it out when I fill it up would probably make a good difference as long as I left right after filling up, maybe I'll start doing that. Otherwise as soon as I learn it over on the stand it will flood out the overflow tube

Jul 7, 2017 | 12:24 AM

Smogbob

Road Captain

Joined: Nov 2016

Posts: 666

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From: Berlin

Well if there is a logic to this it would be, you raised the rear 1 inch, so if you raised the tank at the front 1 inch all should be back to normal.

Jul 7, 2017 | 07:48 AM

leafman60

Road Captain

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 632

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Well, if you added 1.5 inches to your rear suspension, the swing arm geometry is likely to increase ride height by more than that amount (assuming your rear sag is not too soft). I assume that this increased rear height is tipping your tank orientation up in the rear and causing your issue. I wouldn't think that such a difference would be detected but perhaps so.

I've jacked up my Super Glide that much or more but haven't noticed a tank fill change.

By the way, with that increased rear height, you probably notice quicker steering since your front wheel has been steepened in angle and reduced your trail distance.